Although many shows don’t seem to have any confirmed characters that are members of the LGBTQA+ community, some shows even going so far as to queerbait users, shows that have characters within the community are real and most of them are very popular.
Queerbaiting is a marketing technique for entertainment in which creators or actors hint at the fact a character could be a member of the LGBTQA+ but never state or pay it off with a same sex relationship or coming out moment. A perfect example would be season 4 of Stranger Things. Although many are probably tired of hearing about this show, many believe that Will Byers has a crush on Mike Wheeler, but the show has not dedicated a moment to pay this off. Sherlock with actor Benedict Cumberbatch is also reported to use queerbaiting, but plays it off more as a funny gag so it is less noticeable. Some shows use queerbaiting in a more subtle way, almost making it acceptable, but not quite.
Even though shows that Queerbait are popular, even with the unethical marketing techniques, shows with confirmed characters can be just if not more popular. Some of the most popular Disney shows are ones with LGBTQA+ characters. People like those shows for the representation and plot.
Some shows that don’t Queerbait include Love, Simon, with gay characters such as Bram Greenfeld and Bi characters such as Cal Price. Owl House, with Transgender character Raine Whispers. Along with Aromantic and Asexual character Lilith Clawthorn. They also have non-binary side character, Masha. Finally, She-Ra, with Lesbian characters such as Adora and Catra, along with Netossa and Spinnerella. Transgender character Jewelstar. Finally, the polyamorous character Rogelio.
While these shows do have a lot of cannon characters, this is only a fragment of the characters and of the shows including LGBTQA+ characters.
It should be mentioned that shows that have confirmed LGBTQA+ characters are still capable of queerbaiting, although it can be uncommon. Such shows like Andy Mack and Voltron do this.
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